Thank You and Update
Figs 4 Fun Foundation
An update is probably overdue.
But first, we want to say thank you to those people who have pioneered creative ways to help raise $$ for this endeavor.
Rafed has proven to be more than just a Road Warrior. He has been a $$ warrior. He was the first member to step up and both share with other members of the Forum and at the same time raise some $$, and he has done it more than once. James followed Rafed's example. Eden, Kerry and Chad graciously purchased the offered auction items. George seems to have started a gift matching program, all on his own. Thanks to every one of these friends and fig lovers.
As for an update, we had our initial Board Meeting in late September, and have completed the process of legally beginning the non-profit corporation. The Board is engaged in the final review of our IRS Form 1023 Application for Tax-Exempt Status, and hope to have it in the mail by the end of the month.
We have done some initial research on grant funding. This is not a slam-dunk process in any way. Applying for a grant requires a lot of research and paperwork. We would love to hear from people who have experience at this aspect of fundraising.
We are keeping our eyes open for property. The first parcel that we are looking at is 34 vacant acres underneath the KOGO (Clear Channel) radio towers in the Emerald Hills community of the City of San Diego. See http://www.fybush.com/sites/2009/site-090327.html and http://www.sandiegoreader.com/photos/galleries/emerald-hills/3203/ Who knows if this will go anywhere, but it certainly meets our needs, if they are willing to share it with us.
To johnf93: we looked at your idea of selling e-mail addresses linked to the Foundation. Technically it is easy, but the legal and liability ramifications of people appearing to be a part of the foundation appear to be insurmountable.
Thanx to all for their interest and support.